Michael Dukakis Speaks at Dean College

Former Massachusetts governor, Michael Dukakis spoke to the students at Dean College as a part of the Dean Leadership Institute speaker series. (Cover Photo Via cssh.northeastern.edu)

On Wednesday, October 26th, former Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis came to Dean College to speak to the students, staff, and faculty of Dean College. Dukakis has an impressive political resume and has served the people of Massachusetts for decades. For everything he has accomplished, Dean College selected Dukakis as a part of the Dean Leadership Institute speaker series for the Fall of 2022.

As Governor of Massachusetts, Michael Dukakis had a successful career, particularly in the 1980s. Dukakis oversaw the "Massachusetts Miracle" where state unemployment fell dramatically, and individual wealth increased. The miracle, along with the increase in technological innovation in the state, led to the Democratic Party nominating Dukakis as their nominee for the 1988 Presidential Election.

Governor Mike Dukakis and Vice President George H.W. Bush before the 1988 Presidential Debate. (Photo Via wamu.org)

Dukakis lost to Republican challenger, Vice President George H.W. Bush, in the election. After this defeat, Dukakis served the final two years of his governorship in Massachusetts before getting out of politics. Although he no longer holds public office, Dukakis has remained active in the community.

After his political career, Dukakis served on the Board of Directors for Amtrack and has taught political science at Northeastern University. Dukakis has also spoken at other universities as a traveling professor to discuss politics. Last night, Dukakis traveled to Franklin and spoke to the Dean College community.

Governor Dukakis spoke with newly inaugurated Chancellor Augustus Jr. In the Guidrey Center. Dukakis took questions from the audience based on his career and his thoughts on the state of the nation. Afterward, Dukakis spoke with students individually from the audience.

Newly inaugurated Chancellor, Edward Augustus Jr. and former-Governor Michael Dukakis speaking to the Dean College community. (Photo Via deancollegecampuslife on Instagram)

The timing of Governor Dukakis's event could not have been better, as the US Midterm elections will take place in less than two weeks. Governor Dukakis made it clear in his visit, that to end political polarization, people on both sides of the aisle must be willing to compromise.

To learn about upcoming events at Dean College, visit the official Dean College website for more information.